Menopause is a normal condition that every woman will go through as they age. The term describes the symptoms that women experience and the changes in their body before they stop menstruating. It’s a significant milestone moment in a woman’s life, but the decline in fertility can be challenging emotionally and physically. All changes require understanding and management, but menopause can bring on some particularly difficult challenges for the body and the mind.
Menopause can trigger a variety of symptoms that are caused by a hormonal shift. Hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause, are described as a sudden rush of warmth over the body that causes sweating. Other common symptoms include irregular periods, mood swings, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, headaches, changes in libido and bladder control problems. Not all women get every symptom, but they are all associated with the hormonal changes happening in a woman’s body as her fertility declines. These symptoms can interfere with day-to-day activities and quality of life.
Some medications like hormone therapy can bring relief from symptoms, but some treatments are linked to cancer, and there is concern over their safety of taking hormones. There is evidence to suggest that certain essential oils can help relieve symptoms of menopause, but they won’t all work for everyone. Women should talk to their doctors about the alternative therapies that are right for them.
Essential oils are a natural alternative that many aging women use for their health and help ease the symptoms associated with menopause. They work by soothing, harmonizing and balancing on a physical and emotional level. Below are some of the most popular essential oils for menopausal relief.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil can help reduce the discomfort associated with being hot and flushed. Just a couple of drops on a tissue held up to your nose can bring quick relief. It is also an excellent oil for promoting a healthy digestive system and a happy abdomen, with which some menopausal women have trouble.
Rose
Rose essential oil has a feminine, floral aroma that can comfort women who are experiencing hormonal changes. An essential oil known to boost reproductive health, Rose can also potentially help address issues with the menstrual cycle. Rose is also a favorite oil for its ability to increase self-esteem and confidence, which can be helpful for women experiencing menopause who have emotional difficulties entering this new phase of womanhood. It can also increase mental strength and concentration, as well as improve skin.
Geranium
Geranium has many useful benefits that can provide relief for women undergoing hormonal changes. It’s great for moisturizing dry, problem skin and can boost your mood. It also has a balancing effect on your emotions to help you feel more stable during times of moodiness.
Lavender
Soothing lavender can help with physical and emotional symptoms associated with menopause. It has a balancing effect on the body and the mind which can help calm the ups and downs you feel during this change. Lavender has long been used in aromatherapy for relaxation and to support restful sleep. It can also work to ease a body that is feeling flushed and calm the circulatory system.
Clary Sage
During menopause, it’s typical for women to feel flushed and hot, sometimes without warning. Clary sage essential oil has been shown to help with these types of symptoms. Try rubbing a few drops of diluted oil on the tops of your feet and the back of your neck. This oil also helps when inhaled, so bring along when you are out to relieve sudden symptoms. Clary sage is also an excellent oil to improve your outlook on life and promote a positive mood.
Additional Tips:
Massage is an effective way to use essential oils to ease the symptoms of menopause. Massage can help alleviate many uncomfortable symptoms like insomnia, hot flashes, nervousness, melancholia, headache, and weakness. Consider adding regular massage therapy for your overall health when your body is going through a significant change.
If you decide to use essential oils to ease menopausal symptoms, treat them with caution like you would any other medication, and take precautions. A little bit of oil goes a long way, so don’t go overboard. It’s always a good idea to perform a patch test on your skin in case you have sensitivities to a specific oil.
